No Healing

Hate divides, whether it comes from the right or the left, from republican or democrat, from conservative or liberal, from one religion or another or none. Hate does not unify and hate does not heal, it does not matter where it comes from, or who it is directed at, or what the circumstances are. Hate does not rectify wrongs. You can't cure hate by opposing it with hate. You can't claim to be a unifier and a healer by expressing hatred for those who hate. 
When will we learn?

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

After the recent shootings in Gilroy, El Paso and Dayton, our leaders have chosen to combat hatred with hatred, which in turn has encouraged the rest of us on various sides of political divides, to respond likewise. Pointing fingers, assigning blame, and deflecting our own responsibility and culpability has never solved problems, and it never will. If our political leaders refuse to lead in this regard, then we must. It doesn't need to be on a grand scale, but we need to start somewhere. Have coffee with someone you disagree with and have the courage to listen more than you speak. Choose words carefully, focused on issues rather than turning issues into personal attacks. Assume that differences of opinion are just that, rather than assuming differences are an assault on individuals. Do whatever you can to show that we can have differences, but still be respectful. Maybe politicians will catch on. Maybe they will learn from our example. Light can't drive out darkness, if we never let it shine. Love can't drive out hatred if we never love our enemies. We must have faith, and patience, and the courage to let Light and Love work in due time.